Cornell Student Assembly Elects Southern California Korean

The next president of Ivy League institution Cornell University’s Student Assembly is Jung-won Kim after he won by more than 100 votes over his opponent Matthew Indimine in the 4,130-ballot election. Kim is set to become not only the first Korean, but the first Asian to lead Cornell’s Student Assembly.

“I don’t think a lot of people expected me to do too well, but my friends gave me their full support and we all gave 110 percent,” Kim said. “I’m Asian, I’m a non U.S.-citizen, I represent groups I think that, have traditionally not been very engaged in the assembly. I think this is a personal opportunity to bridge the gap, and that will be my priority as Student Assembly president.”

Born in Seoul, South Korea, Kim came to the United States with his family at age 5. Before attending Cornell, he was raised in the West Hills district of Los Angeles. Kim said that working in the Student Assembly over the last two years motivated him to run for president.

“Currently, the Student Assembly and the administration do not have the friendliest and most trusting relationship,” Kim said. “I have experience working with resolutions as well as with administration, and those are very positive qualities that I think the Student Assembly needs right now.”

Kim’s father, Won-hwi Kim, is an accountant, while his mother Yoon-kyung Lee is a housewife. Kim revealed that his passion lies in South Korea’s international relations and making new friends. He is also the current president of Global China Connection, an on-campus organization. His ultimate goal is to become a financier after graduating.

By Hanseo Seo